Do I need Backstays on my Mizzen?

[don1]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your replies, and all the great information.
I am trying to attach 2 photos of my mizzen rig, but don't seem able to do this. There are both upper and lower shrouds, and as you can see from the photo the spreaders are swept back and the upper shroud where it attatches to the deck is 18" behind the mizzen mast centreline. The mizzen is 32 ft high.
So I suppose the question is do I need Backstays, Yes or No?

[andert]

As Brion's post implied, staying design is not a "yes or no" thing, it's a "depends" thing. I'm not a rigger, but I wouldn't give much credence to anyone who would tell you "yes" or "no" on adding backstays without seeing your boat, researching the original rigging plan, determining your intended use (i.e. day-sailing, coastal cruising, racing, offshore passagemaking), etc. Not much help, I know.

On the other hand, you could just add them and see what happens... if it were me, though, I'd probably look out on the web for any Gulfstar 44 owners that complain about their mizzens falling down before I'd spend a whole bunch of time, energy and money...

Todd Anderson
S/V Earendil